Dual Cheap Strobes

[Larry C]

Finally got my Sunpak G-flash. Only 2 months of B/O's, holidays, changed companies and a ride to the UPS Warehouse (signature required, not home for delivery). Tomorrow I'll build the loc-line and add it to my rig. The concensus is that slaving it off my FL-20 in ttl mode will get me overexposures. Should be able to post some pictures next week to find out one way or the other. If it doesn't work, I'll run them both on slave. Any bets?

 

[DesertEagle]

Doesn't the G flash have adjustable output? You could always try a homemade diffuser with a Pringles can lid.

How about a wide angle lens?

 

[Larry C]

It does have adjustable output and a diffuser. The question is, if I set the camera and ttl strobe for ttl, will adding the second strobe from the other side cause overexposure, even on the lowest setting? I'm going to start out in that mode, slaving the Sunpak off the ttl equipped Oly strobe. If I consistently overexpose, I'll go to manual settings on both.

 

[Larry C]

I drilled an additional hole on the top of the frame for the second loc-line. I also added 2 holes on the upper sides. I'm going to try mounting the strobes for a wider separation at the expense of height.

I added some epoxy putty inside the loc-line base to keep the ss bolts from turning so that I'll be able to use knobs or wing nuts to mount the loc-line. That will allow me more compact storage without popping the loc-line segments off the base. I can unscrew the whole unit to put it in a smaller Pelican case.

The two loc-lines mounted to the frame in their new position.

 

[DesertEagle]

My guess is that the TTL won't work. I'm sure you will be doing some experiments very soon!

 

[Larry C]

Here it is, short the brass or stainless 1/4x20 wingnuts to make the arms removable, and whatever future lens-holders or bouyancy device I add to it. Hopefully I'll dive it this weekend. I didn't get wet last weekend except in the pool, teaching a scuba-skills update class. I think I have open waters this weekend, but I intend to get some personal dive time regardless. I'll post the results, of course. I might even jump in my swimming pool this week and do some test shots.

1: Mounting of Sunpak.

2: Nylon spacer and rubber washer glued to 3/4x1/8 aluminum bracket with 3m spray adhesive to replace two rubber washers mounting the FL-20/Housing

3: The whole rig.

 

[Larry C]

With the camera and the Oly strobe set to ttl auto and the Sunpak G-flash set to normal mode, the Sunpak fired for both the preflash and the flash. Since it fired with the preflash, I assume the camera adjusted the ttl settings and the lighting was excellent. With the strobes no more than a foot from my face, reversed on the rig, there is no overexposure whatsoever. Can't wait to try it underwater.